Venice Craft Heritage: Private Luxury Boat Trip To Murano & Burano

Once the centre of the European art world, and still a haven for artisans to this day, it is easy to see why so many have been inspired by the unique beauty of Venice across the centuries. Each of the city’s more than one hundred islands has its distinct character and stories to tell, and visitors who appreciate great art should not miss the chance to discover the iconic Murano and Burano, known around the world for their colourful streets and centuries-old traditions of glass-blowing and lace-making. The best way to navigate the highlights and the hidden gems of Venice is on the water, and our artsy excursion by luxury boat allows you to embark upon an unforgettable journey through the Venetian Lagoon.

On this private full-day trip, you will:

• Spend a glorious day exploring the most gorgeous corners of Venice on board a luxury boat;
• Sail around the Venetian lagoon in style with hotel pick up and drop off included;
• Have the boat all to yourself with a captain to cater to your every need;
• Enjoy the Island of San Marco, home of Venice’s most iconic landmarks including St. Mark’s Square & the Doge's Palace;
• Take in the stunning San Giorgio Maggiore;
• Pass by the lesser-known islands of Venice like Certosa, Vignole and Mazzorbo;
• Glide past the scenic shores of Lido Island, a serene coastal escape;
• Explore the charming island of Murano, world-renowned for its incredible Venetian craftsmanship;
• See the traditional art of glassblowing first-hand with an exclusive visit to one of the oldest glass factories in Murano;
• Wander the colourful streets of Burano and learn about the intricate lacemaking tradition on the island that dates back over 500 years;
• Savour the flavours of Venice with prosecco and Venetian treats available on board the boat;
• Enjoy a final glimpse of Mazzorbo Island, renowned for its ancient vineyards, before returning to the iconic San Marco. 

The city of Venice is truly one of a kind. There is so much to uncover amongst its intricate web of islands connected by iconic bridges and canals. Exploring Venice by boat provides you with an immersive and authentic experience, through its rich maritime history and gives a comprehensive view of its incredible architecture since many of its buildings were specifically designed to be seen from the water. 

Your delightful day on the water will begin at your hotel in central Venice, where your experienced captain will pick you up and bring you aboard your elegant Riva Aquariva boat. Once you get acquainted, it is time to embark upon your voyage of discovery through the lagoon. As you cruise through the waterways, you’ll enjoy a privileged view of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. Whilst the itinerary may vary depending on the conditions of the day and the interests of your party, you will not want to miss San Marco island, home of St. Mark's Square, the Doge’s palace and the impressive St. Mark’s Basilica. You will experience Venetian architecture in all its glory as you take in the picturesque buildings of the square from the water, once the political and religious centre of the independent Republic of Venice.

You may sail under the famous Bridge of Sighs before reaching San Giorgio Maggiore. This small island, just a stone’s throw away from San Marco, is known for its grandiose basilica and bell tower that dates back to the 16th century. Your journey will continue to the isolated enclave of Poveglia, an eerie abandoned island with some dark secrets, and the nearby Venice Lido, which forms a natural barrier between the lagoon and the Adriatic sea and is beloved for its sandy beaches, glamorous hotels and for playing host to the prestigious Venice Film festival. All the while, you will have the chance to sip Prosecco and taste emblematic Venetian sweet treats as you take in breathtaking views.

You can expect to see the Arsenale, a fascinating Byzantine shipyard thought to have been the largest manufacturing complex in Europe before the Industrial Revolution, which was crucial to the wealth and power of the Republic of Venice. Before heading to the most colourful parts of the lagoon, you will discover some of the lesser-known islands, such as the rustic Vignole and the lush green haven of Certosa where you can keep an eye out for some of the lagoon’s wonderful wildlife.

Then it will be time for your hotly anticipated visit to Murano, a charming cluster of islands famous worldwide for their master craftsmen who have been producing exquisite glasswork for over 700 years. You will disembark your boat to explore the island on foot and have an opportunity to witness master artisans practice the ancient art of glassblowing in one of the oldest remaining glass factories. This behind-the-scenes experience offers a rare glimpse into Venetian artistry that has been perfected over centuries. You will have the chance to stroll the scenic canals and perhaps even acquire some Murano glass to take home.

Soon you will sail on to beautiful Burano, where a kaleidoscope of colourful homes lines the canals. You will delve into the island’s lace-making tradition, a craft that has flourished for over 500 years, and see a special demonstration of this intricate process. You will also enjoy some free time to wander Burano's picture-perfect streets and snap some pictures of the beautiful, brightly-coloured buildings. By this time, you should have worked up an appetite, so your captain can recommend some fantastic restaurants on the island to enjoy typical Venetian cuisine (not included).

After this delectable detour, you will climb aboard the boat once more and make your way back through the lagoon, passing by the neighbouring island of Mazzorbo where you can admire its historic buildings and vineyards known for cultivating uncommon grape varieties and producing very interesting and sought-after wines. Your captain will then bring you back to central Venice, where you will return to your hotel, or if you prefer, disembark at St. Mark’s Square to continue your adventure, armed and enriched with a deep understanding and appreciation of Venice’s crafts and cultural heritage.